The Slovak National Party (SNS) and the opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) have voiced opposition to President Peter Pellegrini’s support for an additional 1.5% of GDP increase in NATO defence spending, as agreed at the Bucharest Nine (B9) summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
SNS leader Andrej Danko criticized the plan to raise NATO defence contributions from 2% to 3.5% of GDP, calling it financially unsustainable and arguing that the funds should instead be invested in highways, hospitals, and schools. He also questioned the coherence of the EU’s defence strategy, stating that not every member state needs full military capabilities if cooperation within the Union improves.
Christian Democrats also criticized the President for committing to the increase without the promised expert and political consultation. The party questioned whether Pellegrini is acting in alignment with the government and how such spending would be financed. The Christian Democratic Movement also noted that there is no consensus on this issue across the political spectrum.
Source: TASR
